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** To protect our employees, we will be closing our Showroom to the public until further notice. Customer service & tech support are still available Monday through Friday from 8:15am to 12pm & 1:15pm to 5:00pm PT. **** Phone orders are also available 24/7. Please note that due to limited staffing, hold times may be longer than usual. We apologize for the inconvenience and we thank you for your understanding! **

Digital MP3 Recorder-Player with Built-In AM/FM Radio

The CC Witness Plus is one of the best, most versatile and compact digital personal recorder/players made. Built to record your favorite radio shows. It can record for hours.
Great as a travel radio and for listening to all kinds of audio. If you like to exercise to music, the CC Witness Plus can record
your favorite music from the internet. A special feature can create individual recording tracks so you can skip to the next song or
delete songs you don't like. You can listen to rich, full audio using the included earphones, the built-in stereo speakers or a patch
cord to your favorite radio.

Recording with the Plus

Whether it's from a radio, computer or home stereo, the CC Witness Plus will record high-quality audio from your device. Plug in the 1/8" input cable and press the record button. Recording your own music files is simple and saves money compared to buying individual songs. You can even detect song breaks and create individual recording tracks like a CD. You can then skip to the next song when you playback your music files.

The CC Witness Plus has One-Touch Recording. Simply press and hold the record button to get 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours of instant recording. You can record using the built-in microphones or from the line-in using the included 1/8" stereo line-in cable.

If you are a talk radio fan, then you may love the 20 independent recording timers. Timers allow you to record all your favorite shows so you can listen at a more convenient time. You can also use the timers to eliminate the commercials normally found at the top and bottom of the hour.

With the built-in stereo microphones, you can record meetings, memos or
even a live concert.

The CC Witness Plus is an excellent portable travel companion because of its small size and capabilities. AM and FM radio reception is very good for a pocket radio and there are 10 easy presets per band to access your stations quickly. For better AM reception, there is an option for disabling the display screen reducing interference. For best FM reception, the CC Witness Plus uses your headphones or an included wire as an external antenna. FM mono can also be enabled to improve weak FM stations and reduce automatic stereo switching sound.

Saving space

You can maximize your recording time for voice by adjusting the audio quality to a lower speed of 32 kbps (kilobits per second). When great audio quality is necessary, you can set it to record at up to CD Quality at 1411 kbps. There are six selectable levels of audio quality. The CC Witness Plus comes with 2GB of onboard memory which stores up to 2000 audio files or up to 140 hours of recordings at 32 kbps.

Using an optional SD memory card will give you more recording time and is a great way to collect hard copies of your favorite programs. An SD card can store more content than a CD or cassette tape. We recommend, as a maximum size, the 8GB Sandisk brand SD card for stability of operation.

Edit makes perfect

Copy, chop, erase, or rename your files with the powerful editing features of the CC Witness Plus. File names and folder structure can be changed and edited through your computer also.

From Witness to Computer and Back

Transfer your files from the CC Witness Plus to a Computer using a USB cable. With a computer you can listen, store, or upload your files over the internet. If you already have a collection of MP3, WAV, or WMA files on your computer, then transfer them to the Witness Plus for your playback enjoyment. Please see the FAQs for important information regarding file transfers.

Get the most from your CC Witness Plus

To get the most out of your CC Witness Plus be sure to pick up the CC Witness Plus Accessory Kit for only $39.99. The kit includes a charging cradle for the Witness Plus, an AC adapter, a clear carry case with belt clip and also an armband carry case. If you want to save a little money you can purchase the CC Witness Plus and Accessory Kit together.

old fashionedIt's a good little radio but relies on headphones for reception. Easy to use as a recorder

PROSEasy to useCONSHard to get a noice free radio station while using headphones. If you find the sweet spot for reception you better not move. To replace battery must pry the back offBEST USESListening to FM radio, recording

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Chris AndersonCambria,CaDecember, 5 2019

Does what I need it to doThe first one I got a few months ago had to be returned after a few days because there was a loose speaker connection so immediately C Crane sent me a replacement that has worked fine so far. I use for MP3 recording line direct so I can listen to music or ballgames. Haven't used timers yet. I'm careful not to drop it on hard surface because I'm wondering about durability. So far so good.

A prized possessionI owned the CC Witness before the Plus and used it for recording AM and FM and also downloaded podcasts to it. I use it almost every day. I love the device and finally bought the newer version so I can travel with one and still record shows with the one that remains at home.

PROSThe Witness Plus has improved the connector by going to USB and eliminated the proprietary connector which the Witness used.CONSThe Witness recorded to folders Timer 01, Timer 02, etc. but the Witness Plus only records to AM or FM folders which makes sorting by show a chore.BEST USESTimer recording both AM and FM.

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AndrewCanadaMay, 11 2019

I expected them to last longer for the price paidThey were my favourite until the headphones and speaker stopped working. We bought another thinking it might have been an isolated issue, but same thing has happened. Be prepared for this to not last as long as you expect for the price you pay. I wont be buying a third.

PROSExceptional idea and innovative product. There really is nothing else like it.CONSAM reception isn't as good as expected. Product life and warranty aren't what I would expect for the premium price.

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Roy HallRaleigh, North CarolinaOctober, 7 2018

A great addition for night time radio listenerI've been listening to night time radio for over 40 years but I find myself now have to take sleeping pills to sleep at night and I do miss my nighttime radio stations so I purchased a CC witness.

PROSI do like the daily programming timers and I really like the fast-forward or rewind buttons that does not have to be held down it does do a very good job and the quality level I would not hesitate to purchase another one if needed.CONSmay be the only thing I see wrong it needs a countdown timer while you're fast forwarding or rewinding to really know where you are other than that that would be the only fault with the price as it is that should be part of the recorder.

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stevens williamLancaster OhioJuly, 14 2018

Great radio but...Overall, A very nice radio that has timers and can record.

PROSGreat communication service from Crane. Timer recorder features are excellent!Well made radio.CONSThe sensitivity for the a.m. radio is weak and needs to be improved. In Ohio, I could pick up the stations I need but they are often noisy. In Florida, I can only receive one very close radio station. In comparison, my desktop radios receive a lot of a.m. stations. Also, the accessories are somewhat expensive.BEST USESRecording FM stations or AM stations that are very close.

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Robert GwinLovington IllJune, 21 2018

Radio/recorderFantastic for what it is designed to do.

PROSBattery life great, bit rate selection, record in mp3, size, ease of usage.CONSOnly one complaint, for some reason if you set the time correctly and record past noon, it will place the afternoon recordings in playback prior to the morning. Perhaps a 24 hr clock would fix this. I simply set the wrong time so it will not reach a pm/am changeBEST USESI use it for recording conventions that are broadcast on fm, works great

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Thomas McLainLenexa, KSMay, 22 2018

Wonder Rush RadioGreat MP3 recording Radio used daily for over 7 years. It replaced an earlier CC version with less memory which gave over 5 years of faithful use. This model has 20 timers which can be set for daily, weekly. or by date to record AM/FM, Mic or line in for later listening. I use this mostly for daily recording for daytime talk radio which I listen to late at night, skipping commercials. Recording can be internal or to external SD card. Other reviews complain of not finding buttons after adding silicon cover. I solved this years ago by adding stick on small felt dots directly over frequently used buttons which can be felt through the silicon cover.

PROSWonderful battery life to allow over 5 hours of recording still after 7 years. Lots of timersCONSNone As a suggestion in future model you might add Bluetooth.BEST USESRecording AM talk radio daily programs for later listening late at night, skipping commercials.

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Ron FergusonToronto Ontario - CanadaApril, 22 2018

Wat a Great RadioThis radio has been really great. I use it to record Coast to Coast AM each night and listen to the programs when it is convenient for me

PROSEasy to use and the use of an SD card means I can listen to the recordings on a number of different devicesCONSNone that I can think of.BEST USESRecording Coast to Coast AM and programming the unit for multiple daily recordings to eliminate station breaks.

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Tom V.Newcastle, CAJanuary, 24 2018

New UserI'm not a techie and wanted to listen to a Coast-to-Coast CtC show a couple times a month. I have limited shared data via JetPack for the Internet and needed free AM broadcast. Two timers are set for daily 7 days a week recordings; day 1 1005PM-1159PM and day 2 0005AM-200AM. The Witness+ sits active in the charge cradle and turns on to record both shows and then off. I go to the CtC website to read a summary of the show to determine if I want to listen to it. The Witness+ USB is plugged into the i-Mac to show the internal drive and list recorded programs. Recorded programs can be saved dragged into a computer folder or disposed into the trash to free up Witness+ memory for new shows. QuickTime plays the selected file on the Mac and commercials can be skipped. The Witness+ was the easiest, least expensive way to record broadcasts and listen later.

PROSIt does the job I wanted it to do.CONSRequires a strong station signal.BEST USESOnly used as described.

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J.LayTehachapi, CASeptember, 28 2017

LONG TIME USERI got this 7 or 8 years ago when it was the only device that offered it's features. I use it at conventions that are tied in to a radio signal. I've been very satisfied with it as it has done exactly what I bought it for. I Don't use it as a radio per say just for recording at my yearly conventions and semi annual assemblies. It works perfectly.

PROSCompact, light weight. Very portable. Does exactly as described.CONSI bought the silicone skin and it makes it hard to know where the function buttons are. I've learned to remember where they are but it would be easier if I was able to read the buttons through the skin. I don't know if that would be possible though.BEST USESIt works best for me in recording the event I am attending.

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SAnderson47909July, 9 2017

I was hoping for more.If the recording works as it says it should it should be okay. BUt I was looking for an AM Champ... and this one, at least for me, was a chump.

PROSFM reception seems okay. Haven't had a chance to use ALL the features yet. But so far it's solid.CONSAM reception isn't much better than my cheapie $30 AM/FM WX radio. The place I needed it to work the MOST it doesn't even get a signal. My cheapie radio gets a limited signal.

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RSwitzerSmithville, NJMay, 2 2017

The Jury is OutStill trying to determine how to auto record a radio program. The instructions bounce you through several pages, but give no clear step by step on how timed recordings work. Also a twin coil antenna is referenced to improve AM reception, but so far I've been unable to find it on the web site. Alas, my hopes for this have been quickly dashed.

The best! Great radio and recorderHave had this device for 5 years and love it. I still prefer this over my smart phone, which now does much the same but is bulky and not as compact when walking or just want to put in a pocket. CC Crane rocks!

PROSExcellent radio reception,Terrific MP3 recorder/player,Lots of space for recordingsCONSToo-bright light on screenBEST USESListening to AM/FM radio,Making and keeping good MP3 record

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SSPortlandMarch, 13 2017

unique radioMine became damaged from a drop and C Crane was able to repair it. So far it is working. I wish CCrane would make a better cover sleeve with more shock protection like a thick rubber/silicone instead of the thin pvc cover. It's still a keeper, but there is room for improvement.

PROSIt's the only radio I am aware of that can record from the radio and has SD card storage for mp3 files like music.CONSbuttons should have more distinct raised symbols to feel by touch.,Need a better outer protective cover that has a rubbery grip like silicone with raised symbols to make changes by touch.

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EReidArlington, TexasMarch, 11 2017

Didn't meet my expectationsDifficult to read the labels for the control of radio functions. Requires illuminating the face of this radio to a light.

CONSMic/line level inputs. line level source results in the distrotion of recordings.From a TV audio output a reduction in levels is necessary.

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AVardakisAthens, GreeceFebruary, 4 2017

great functionality and ease of useI am more than satified with the product. What I was looking for was the ability to schedule recordings of broadcasts on fm radio. I have found its functionality to meet my needs. In particular some features like the broad set of timers, the easy navigation through the recordings and the capability for dividing the recordings at selected points. There may be one or two things that I may prefered to be different, but they are not worth mentionting. I find that overall the design and its ease of use excellent. For most fm radio stations the reception is very good, but some enhancement may be necesssary for a few with a weak signal or interference.

PROSGreat for scheduled recordings from the radio.,broad set of timers,very good feautures like dividing the recordings at selected points,unique in its capability for high quality recordings

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JEllis54880January, 28 2017

Poor reception, but good recorderReception is disappointing for the price. On FM, the unit is easily overwhelmed by intermodulation interference from strong local stations, preventing reception of other city-grade signals that don't transmit with as much power. On AM, only very strong local stations can be received. The menus are a bit clunky and feel like a flashback to old times. However, the recording function works well (once the firmware is updated) and the timer recording is a nice feature. Overall, I am satisfied.

PROSTimer recording,Variable recording quality options,Line input,AM wide band reception of strong local stationsCONSPoor reception,No audio level meter for line input,Unable to switch to FM mono modeBEST USESTimer recording of strong local radio stations.

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WSandersSanta Cruz, CADecember, 8 2016

Good with reservationsIf it holds up, and doesn't mess up recording schedule again, I will be very pleased with it.

PROSRather eccentric operation. Headphone plug rather flimsy not sure it will last. Programming failed once without my touching it. More time needed to know it well.CONSSorry,those were cons I think.BEST USESRecording radio for shows one cannot hear in real time.

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JMasseyBC CanadaDecember, 8 2016

DissapointedI have purchased many items from Crane over the years. I still have six or seven. I have had a Witness for five years and still use it daily. This problem copying is annoying to me and apparently no remedy. I have been promised an answer but still waiting.

PROSExcellent MP3 Recorder.CONSTo copy a one hour recording it needs 45 minutes of your time.,It is not as good a radio as my,CC Witness. I wish I could have got,another witness instead of Witness,plus.BEST USESI record from one of my wi-fi radios,(CCrane) many hours overnight for,further use at my leisure.

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JPanekMassachusettsNovember, 11 2016

I wish it had better AM receptionI would like to be informed if an improved model were to come along with better reception and it would be great if it would run on AC too.

PROSInstructions easy to follow. It does what is advertised and fills the bill for most uses.CONSPoor AM reception except for the station down the street. I have another radio that will record MP3 files with much better sensitivity but it has no timer function. If the unit were a bit larger I wouldn't fat finger so many times when programming a timer funtion.BEST USESTimed radio recordings

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CMimeyNew York, NYNovember, 8 2016

Great old fashion serviceI also love the people at ccrane .I needed repair on my original ccwitness thanks to Darryl he fixed it so fast and send it back to me so fast ....and I also want to thank Seth and Sue for getting me the help that was so professional friendly and really effective in every way ,witch is very rare these days.....so thanks crane

PROSWhat a wonderful gadget,I own my original ccwitness for over 6 years and just go the newer version in case you never know .....cause I can't live without itCONSNoneBEST USESI record coast to coast am on 710 am in NYC at 1 am till 5 am...I use to use a cassette recorder and had to set he alarm to flip,The cassette love love love my cc witness...

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CMischnickWilliamsville, NYJuly, 10 2016

Poorer quality than Original WitnessI replaced the original Witness with the Witness Plus because the original was beginning to act up. I am disappointed in the Plus. It has poorer speakers, poorer interception of AM channels, and interference when recording. The AC adapter is out of stock indefinitely so it is not possible to see if that would make a difference.

CONSRecording can't be done with Witness Plus plugged in without getting interference.,Speakers are not as strong as the original Witness.BEST USESRecording and listening to AM radio programs.

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rthomasNew JerseyMay, 23 2016

Nothing Else Like ItI can't say enough good things about the CC Witness. It is my constant companion. I hope they never modernize it with all the annoying superficial baggage like color graphics, DRM, and touch screens that just get in the way.

PROSBy far the best mp3 player I've ever had,Records faithfully,Dependable timers so it's a good alarm clock too,It's worth the extra trouble to load podcasts via USB cable because it's so much easier to use than a phone for playback,Very fast FF/RW so you can get through long tracks quickly,Easy controls. Buttons are way better than touch screensCONSCan't save your place in multiple tracks,am reception isn't that good,It's too easy to hit Playback Speed and A-B by mistake. I don't see why these functions get their own buttonsBEST USESObviously it's the best thing ever invented for recording whole radio programs,Great for transferring cassettes to mp3,Also very useful as an external speaker for other devices,Good for recording meetings and Dr appointments so I can review the Doctor's advice later

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ASApril, 5 2016

Fantastic productI've had my CCWitness for 6 years and I LOVE it. I use it every day to record Coast to Coast, and can listen to the slow speaking people at 1.3 or 1.5 speed, which I love. I have abused this unit, loved it and am considering getting a new one because the battery is slowing down. But I use it EVERY day. I keep recorded music in there and use it every day for walking. There is NOTHING better than this little unit!

PROSEasy record,small enough,Reliable,Fast forward through commercials!,Listen on 1.3 or 1.5 faster speedsCONSHonestly I don't have one!BEST USESRecording programs to listen to later

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DRJanuary, 6 2016

Great!I purchased this to record conventions that are broadcasted on FM frequencies. Overall I am very happy with the product so far. One con is the transfer speed from internal memory to the external SD card. But, I figured out how to record directly to SD card. This is important because when transferring two hours of recording in a single file, the unit would NOT let me transfer from internal memory to my computer! So, problem solved. Customer service was very helpful with this. I would not purchase this device if you are wanting to record music through radio frequency. This is because the signal relies on using your ear phones as an antenna.

PROSCompact.,Lightweight.,Easy learning curve,Expandable memoryCONSBuild quality is decent but could be better for price.,Transfer rates from internal memory to external card is SLOW.BEST USESRecording FM frequency broadcasts.

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PFoglemanpanhandle of OKOctober, 22 2015

VERY GOODI have found I can use in the 2 that I have, a lot of different 8gb 16gb 32gb sd cards the only thing when the folder that you are recording to ie am folder fm folder when it gets around the 4gb spot it quits and gives a error. but I can still play any audio file on the card rec to line in or any under 4gb folder (it still see's the card.) But 4gb in what i rec is almost 2 months of fm in the normal rec quality of 3.5 hours a day m-f (a lot to listen to) The only thing would be if you could make the recorded programs go into a folder like church, political, sports etc. of your making instead of just the am folder fm folder mic folder line folder even though the last two are ok as they are. And YES I WOULD BUY MORE !!! they work very very well as they are (if the money didn't need to get little things like food, clothing, etc etc) seems to be more month at the end of the money.. thanks ccrane for a fine useful OPEN radio !

PROSEvery thing audio and some editing,that you don't need to take it to a computer like rename a fileCONSvery littleBEST USESmost anything audio

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CBeckLake Worth, FlOctober, 19 2015

Flexible, Durable, FantasticI use this mp3 player/ recorder every day. I hope they never stop making them. C Crane has an excellent support staff.

PROSTimer settings are easy to use,The ability to divide files is useful,The ability to delete files on the unit is a plus,! Fast forward will allow you to skip commercials, The ability to mark files so locations can be recalled is a great feature, The battery has long lifeCONSNoneBEST USESTalk show recording,Podcast playing,Music listening

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LPhillipsPortland, ORSeptember, 7 2015

Very disappointingIf you want to record programs for listening to later this is not the radio for you.

PROSSounds good,has great features,If only they all worked this radio would be an exceptional instrumentCONSDoes not reliably broadcast chosen frequency,Recording on timers is really hit and miss. About fifty percent of the time the radio records frequencies close to chose frequency but not the desired frequency leaving me to listen to static instead of the program I wanted to listen to.BEST USESLive programming.

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cbrownAtlanta areaJuly, 30 2015

Great productI purchased the CC Witness plus so I could record talks during a recent convention I attended. I have had a few other mp3 players that record fm radio, but none of them could compare to the CC Witness plus. There was very little feedback during the whole 3 days, where as with my others I would get a lot of static throughout. I was very impressed by the difference between this product and others I have. The earphones were of heavier Guage wire than most others on the market. This gave them a sturdier feel and possibly helped the reception. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to record from radio or even the built in mic.

Wow, I love itI love it, I wish I knew about it before I got my MP3 player. I would highly recommend it.

PROSSimple Recording,Easy use,Instructions easy to understand,Does everything as advertisedCONSNoneBEST USESRecording programs that are not MP3 compatable,Recording from live radio,Recording internet programs

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WLiHKFebruary, 14 2015

This is what I want!Easy to use, 20 timers are more than enough. I am using Sandisk Ultra 32GB SDHC and works. Suggestion: better FM reception, using micro USB, all connections on the same side.

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ddalalsan jose, caJanuary, 21 2015

Little package, Big features!This recorder is my 3rd CCrane product, and it does not disappoint! I got a 4GB SD card and the accessory kit with it and all works well together. Its smaller than what the picture eludes. Its actually the size of 3 packages of single-stick gum put side by side. it fits easily in a shirt pocket and the recording using the internal stereo mics work great! As suggested in the manual, do not hold the unit while recording, as additional white noise can be picked up doing so. Overall, very satisfied and I would recommend this!

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RBOYLANMARYSVILLE, OHIODecember, 28 2014

MOST UNIQUE RADIO IN THE WORLDTHIS DIGITAL RECORDER ALLOWS ME TO LISTEN TO PROGRAMS WHEN I WANT TO LISTEN. IT IS LIKE A TV VCR FOR THE RADIO.

I LOVE IT!!!I used to record late night radio shows onto cassette and then listen to them the following night when I went to bed. It made it pretty difficult to stay up to press the record button on the cassette deck to get my shows recorded in the first place. Then during playback, if I fell asleep, I had such a hard time finding my place again. Now with my wonderful CC Witness, I can program shows to record while Im sleeping and am still able to fall asleep to my previously recorded shows. And the button lock is fantastic as I put the device under my pillow at night. Then there is also the nice feature of the sleep timer. So many great things about this product. This is definitely one of the best purchases I have made and fits my lifestyle perfectly. Worth every penny!!

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GWrightGreeneville, TNDecember, 13 2014

Great radio recorder and mp3 playerI use the CC Witness Plus mainly to record late night fm talk programs to listen to during the day. It works great for this. I have added music to an sd card. It is a very good sounding mp3 player especially through earbuds, even the ones that came with the unit. The built in speakers sound pretty good considering how small the thing is. The equalizer works good to adjust sound for personal preferences. A little pricey but a great radio.

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KEdwardsLOS ANGELESDecember, 1 2014

Great but with a couple of issues Id like to see fixedIm about to purchase my 3rd one of these. I really feel lost without it. I work long hours by myself outdoors and I record radio shows and download podcasts to listen to while I work. One problem I keep having is that the earphone jack keeps going out. Its very frustrating. I think because the plug sticks out away from the unit, it gets knocked around a bit and loosens it up. I try to be very careful with it, but its a design issue. Secondly, it has some memory issues, where you can delete files and it still says Memory Index Full and wont let you record. You have to hook it up to your computer to go in and clear it out.

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TPetroneLos Angeles, CaliforniaNovember, 3 2014

In use daily for over 6 years!I have had my CC Witness for at over 6 years now and use it almost daily. I record radio programs during the day and listen to them at night. I also transfer audio from records, cassettes or reel-to-reel tapes to the CC Witness Audio Input to make MP3 files for archives. The only complaint I have (this is the only reason for 4 stars) is that the buttons can be easily hit when picking up the unit and can pause or stop a recording, change radio channels, etc. The rechargable battery is durable. I lost count how many times I have recharged the original battery (at least 2,000 times) and it still can record eight hours or more. Radio reception is good on both AM and FM. With FM you are at the mercy of the headphone wires (unless you use the cradle which has a separate antenna wire). The AM does a decent job. At night you can pick up distant stations very well. The CC Witness also does a great job recording meetings or speeches using the built-in microphone or your own external

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LStuckDenver, COOctober, 16 2014

Wonderful if youre patientIve bought 3 of these in the past 5 years mostly due to the fact that I love recording certain radio programs on one of my local AM stations, and though I do love its features it is simply of poor craftsmanship and prone to quirky operation. Im soon to replace my 3rd with a 4th, currently I have to bend the unit by using my middle finger as a fulcrum and apply downward pressure to the top and bottom of the unit to bend it (very much like the newest Apple device is currently making news for). Not sure if this is making the interface from external buttons onto internal circuitry more complete, all I know is that this unit will not operate unless being contorted to make buttons operational. it has been like this since about a month after I got this unit, so Ive been cultivating patience the past year and a half while coping with what I must endure to get it to operate properly. I dont like to complain, cuz I do like recording the radio programs, so I suppose this is the sacrifice one ma

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AMadridOxnard ,Ca.August, 26 2014

No complaintsI like it !

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DVICARIOHavertown, PAAugust, 2 2014

Back to basics, with a modern twistI bought this unit for my Harley motorcycle. I wanted to listen to music while I ride. HD stereo systems are big, clunky, and very very expensive. This unit is a perfect alternative. Its simplistic. large buttons, up and down.Easy to maneuver. I do not like touch screens, especially while riding. I love the fact that I can listen to the radio and if i hear a song I love, i hit record...then stop. Then Its filed into my song list. Like I said....this is a back to basics player with a modern twist. It has the old fashioned look,made of hearty materials, has large simple buttons and screen, but it is also an mp3 player. Has hours and hours of record and play time. Battery is excellent. I bought this unit because I am tired of buying expensive, plastic junk. Its a hearty unit like they used to make. It did take me a while to get the hang of downloading mp3 songs, but once I figured out the glitches...I was good to go. I am so happy while riding my motorcycle. I am enjoying it so much I kee

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KCQuitman, ARJuly, 29 2014

Very HappyGets a better AM signal than all radios I have purchased - and Ive bought radios in the past strictly in hopes of a good AM signal. (Just remember that AM signals are tricky - move the radio around the room/area and try turning it at different angles and/or laying it up/down in order to find the best signal) . The recordings directly from it are great. Havent tested recording from other devices yet. Plenty of space on the device with the ability to upgrade with external memory. I love the fact that I can program 20 different times to record. Its nice to record the AM shows and be able to skip through the commercials. A must have for the last of the truth seekers. Great job CC!

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CLewandowskiPaJuly, 5 2014

CC Witness PlusImpossible for me to figure out how to upgrade the firmware through the web site. I tried for about half an hour. However, I admit that my inability to figure it out may be my problem. This is my only complaint. Otherwise, it works well.

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PFOGLEMANok panhandleJuly, 1 2014

GOOD good good!!this is second one for me they work real good in my location not to many stations to choice from but still works well. This will time record over the air radio & line input record whatever is at the input. mic record. All so the display is easy to see in daylight or dark with back light. Easy to rename recorded file some edit easy to copy between mp3 player & SD card. wish someone would make one like this that would work some what like a DVR and would buffer like 1 min or so to get a whole song! PLUS they work real good with you if you have a problem THANKS Sue! also ordered fri. eve. got it mon. in the mail!

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DFreemanNew YorkMay, 6 2014

Excellent MP3 Radio RecorderI have found the C Crane Witness Plus to be a excellent radio for recording radio stations. The Plus can use a 2 GB internal Memory or optional SD card. I have found the tuning for AM radio to be great when turning off the auto light. FM radio is also very good. Another good feature is that you can rename recording files before you transfer to PC. Recordings can be made by 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours or at random. You can also schedule recordings of your favorite radio station. BTW, you can also record open mic for personal recordings.Overall its a great radio and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to use for traveling as its very compact.

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WHewittCalgary, Alberta, CanadaApril, 9 2014

Very Nearly SuperbI lusted after one these for some time but was unwilling to pay the very high shipping to Canada. I eventually bought one while I was in the US long enough to have it shipped to where I was. Although I am very happy with its design and functionality I would make a couple of suggestions: 1. The central button could use a tactile bump. I know that there is one above it and below it but I use mine almost exclusively in the dark and I often miss the actual button. 2. The volume switch also needs a tactile bump on both ends. It is very difficult to locate and operate in the dark. 3. It would be useful if the back was not so slippery. I have added a couple of thin silicon dots to avoid pulling it off the night table so often. They also help keep it in my shirt pocket. 4. The AM reception is not quite as good as I had hoped although the option to turn off the display certainly helps.

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JNuznoffTallmadge, OHMarch, 24 2014

Some FrustrationsAs I write this review, my computer is alternately acknowledging and NOT acknowledging the existence of my MP3 device. Upon delivery of my Witness, it became a challenge to get the internal speakers to work without playing with the earphone jack. Soon, the speakers failed to work altogether. Now I have to play with my interface cable to get my computer to recognize the Witness, so I can download something onto it. VERY FRUSTRATING AND TIME CONSUMING.

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DMorganSan Diego, Ca.March, 1 2014

Reliable & convientI'd be lost without this MP-3 player recorder. I record songs & play them over my amp, then I practice my guitar leads. & a bonus is you can loop the song till you get it right. I also record Coast to Coast every night, then listen to it the next day, what a ton of information I've learned. This is an A awesome unit!

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JLindemanSAN PEDRO, CAJune, 11 2013

I purchase this product specifically for AM recordings and it has worked superbly. I wanted to wait awhile before I gave my opinion on the product. It has worded exactly as advertised and more. The ease of use has been impressive including retrieving recording from the unit. Believe me you will not be disappointed if you decide to purchase. If you like to record AM or FM programing this is the unit for you.

Start by connecting one end of the USB charging cable to the CC Witness Plus and the other end to your computer/laptop. Next, briefly insert a paperclip into the reset hole of the CC Witness Plus (please be gentle as not to damage the reset button). This should force the computer/laptop to recognize the CC Witness Plus. If this does not help please contact C. Crane Tech Support at (800) 522-8863.

An average song length of 4 minutes recorded at 128kbps takes up about 3.75MB of memory. So, a CC Witness Plus with 2GB of memory can store 500+ songs recorded at 128kbps.

Does the CC Witness Plus record in Stereo?

The CC Witness Plus can record in stereo when recording from the FM band, Mic/Line Input or the Stereo Microphones.

Which file formats are supported?

The CC Witness Plus will playback MP3, WMA and WAV formats. However, the CC Witness Plus will only record in MP3 or WAV formats.

Can the CC Witness Plus play files recorded at 320kbps in full quality?

Yes.

Can the CC Witness Plus display the titles to the MP3 songs?

Yes, the ID3 Tag Support function must be enabled.

Can I record music from my computer or WiFi Radio?

The CC Witness Plus does a great job of recording music from the popular websites like Pandora, Slacker or Rhapsody. If the time interval between songs is similar then the CC Witness can be set up to create music tracks automatically.

Will recordings I make with my CC Witness Plus to an SD card be playable on the Senta Ally?

Mp3 recordings (not CD quality .wav files), will sound great on the Senta Ally. The Sent Ally does not have the ability to play .wav files.

How many radio presets does the CC Witness Plus have?

Each radio band has 10 presets (20 total).

Does the CC Witness Plus come with a memory card?

No. The CC Witness Plus ships with 2 GB of internal memory.

What are the possible sleep timer settings?

You can set the sleep timer for 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 or 300 minutes.

Can the CC Witness Plus record from another radios headphone jack?

Yes. First set the volume of the radio to a normal listening level. Next, connect the included recording patch cable between the earphone jack of the radio and the MIC/LINE IN of the CC Witness Plus. Navigate to the main MENU screen on the CC Witness, then press record. You can monitor your recording by using the built-in speakers or headphone jack of the CC Witness Plus.

For higher quality recording, use a radios line-output jack instead of the headphone jack and connect to the MIC/LINE IN of the CC Witness Plus. When using a radios line-output, the recording level is fixed and cannot be changed.

Does the CC Witness Plus work with iTunes?

Yes and no. The iTunes program itself will not sync with the CC Witness Plus, but it is still possible to copy iTunes audio files to the CC Witness Plus. The iTunes audio must first be downloaded or converted to MP3 format using iTunes before the CC Witness Plus will accept it. To convert audio to MP3 format in iTunes follow these instructions:

Open preferences:

From a PC click the Edit menu and select Preferences.

From a MAC click iTunes and select Preferences.

Select the General tab and then select the Importing tab.

Change Import using to Mp3 Encoder, then select OK

All future downloads will be imported in MP3 format. To convert an existing file to mp3 format simply select the audio file, then select Convert Selection to MP3 from the advanced menu.

After the iTunes audio is in MP3 format you can drag and drop or copy and paste it from the iTunes Music folder to the CC Witness Plus. The iTunes Music folder is found in My Music on a PC and Music on a MAC.

What are the possible back light timer settings?

You can set the back light to be illuminated for 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds.

Can the external memory card be formatted without a computer?

Yes. When using a new memory card, format the card inside the unit BEFORE trying to record on the card.

If the memory card has been used in any other device (Digital Camera, MP3 Player, etc) you must first format the card using a computer and then again in the CC Witness Plus BEFORE using the card.

Which type of USB Interface does the CC Witness Plus use?

USB 2.0; the cord used is a Mini USB male to USB type A male. The type A male USB is what the average USB connector looks like.

If the firmware is upgraded on the CC Witness Plus, do all the stored functions and settings go away?

Yes.

How come the CC Witness Plus keeps shutting off?

The CC Witness Plus shuts off automatically if it remains idle for 3 minutes (by default). You can adjust the amount of time that passes before auto shut-off occurs by configuring the "Auto Off Time" function in the "System Settings" menu options.

What is the Lock Switch located on the right side of the CC Witness Plus for?

With the Lock Switch 'on' (in the UP position) the CC Witness Plus is locked. No settings can be changed while the Lock Switch is on.

When I play purchased music from Amazon on my CC Witness Plus VBR is displayed for the quality. What does VBR mean?

VBR is an abbreviation for Variable Bit Rate. When a file is recorded in VBR the bitrate dynamically changes depending on the complexity and loudness of the music. A simple quiet passage may record at 32 Kbps. A loud complex song will record at 320 Kbps. High quality recordings can be made this way without making an unnecessarily large file.

The CC Witness Plus is hooked up to my PC. What do I do now?

Click on the "My Computer" icon. Look for a removable disk icon, usually displayed as Drive E or F. Double click on the disk icon belonging to the CC Witness Plus. Files from the PC can now be downloaded onto the CC Witness Plus via dragging and dropping, copying and pasting, etc. Likewise, files can be uploaded to the PC from the CC Witness Plus using these same methods.

Note: 2 GB SD Cards can only hold 420 MB on the root directory. To place more than 420 MB on the SD card, simply create a folder on the root directory and place the files inside of that folder.

How large is the display on the CC Witness Plus?

The display measures 1.85" diagonally.

How can I send a CC Witness Plus recording to someone over the internet when I am on the road?

We recommend using a laptop with a cellular PC card or WiFi antenna for mobile internet service. Once connected to the internet, simply transfer your recording to the laptop and email it to the desired location.

Why are the left and right leads of my CC Witness Plus earbuds different lengths?

They are made this way so that the CC Witness Plus can be placed on your left or right side without the cords getting in the way. The longer cord goes around the back side of your neck to the opposite ear and the shorter cord goes to the ear on the side the Witness is on.

I purchased a 16 GB SD card but it freezes up my CC Witness Plus?

Not all SD Cards are compatible with the CC Witness Plus. The 16GB SD CARDS WE TESTED WILL NOT WORK on the CC Witness Plus at this time.

What is the operating temperature of the CC Witness Plus?

The safe operating temperature does not refer to the CC Witness Plus so much itself as the lithium rechargeable battery inside. Battery industry professionals state that Lithium rechargeable batteries should not be used or stored in environments that exceed 60° C (140° F). For these reasons the CC Witness Plus should not be stored in a location that can reach high temperatures such as a closed automobile or sunny window ledge. High temperatures can cause the battery to fail.

Are there any precautions I should take when performing a soft reset on the CC Witness Plus?

Yes, you will want to use a small thin blunt-tipped object such as a paperclip. The reason for this is twofold: First, to make sure that a sharp object is not imbedded into the recessed button. Second, to make sure the battery pack (which is located inside the unit next to the reset button) is not punctured which can cause severe damage to the unit.

The Play speed and Equalizer settings do not seem to work with CD quality recordings, is this normal?

Yes, the Play speed and Equalizer settings only work with mp3 recordings.

Can I store files other than audio on the CC Witness Plus using a computer?

Yes, you can store any type of file in the memory of the CC Witness Plus using a computer. Only MP3, WMA and WAV files will be visible when viewing the CC Witness Plus display. Non-audio and other types of files will only be visible when browsing the CC Witness Plus memory files with a computer.

What is the maximum number of files that can be held on the CC Witness Plus?

The CC Witness Plus has a limitation of 2000 files.

How do files recorded on the CC Witness Plus display?

This depends on the naming format chosen by the user (SettingsSystem SettingsFile Name Format). You can choose Simple Track # or Date_Time_#_Freq.

If you choose Simple Track # the recording files are displayed as the month, day, track, and source. For example, depending on which method you used to record, the files would look like:

AMAug19_001_AM

FMAug19_001_FMAug19_002_FM

Built-in MicAug19_001_MicAug19_002_Mic

Line-InAug19_001_LineAug19_002_Line

If you choose Date_Time_#_Freq the recording files are displayed as the month, day, year, time, track, source/frequency, and file format. For example, depending on which method you used to record, the files would look like:

My computer doesn't recognize or is slow to load when plugging the CC Witness or CC Witness Plus into my USB port. Why is this happening?

A wireless mouse can cause this. Try unplugging the wireless mouse and then plug the CC Witness (Plus) into the USB port.

What type of battery is in the CC Witness Plus?

The CC Witness Plus uses a rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery pack.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

It takes roughly 4 hours to completely charge the internal battery.

How long does a fully charged battery last?

A fully charged battery will give you about 15-16 hours of playtime or 8 hours of record time before you need to recharge it again.

How can I power and charge the CC Witness Plus when I am on the road?

There are a lot of USB Cigarette Lighter Adapters available on the market that would be perfect for charging the CC Witness Plus in a vehicle. A USB Cigarette Lighter Adapter will produce a lot of buzzing when listening to live AM radio, so it is recommended to use the adapter to charge rather than listen to live AM radio.

Can I use the CC Witness Plus and charge the battery at the same time?

Yes, if you charge the CC Witness Plus with the AC adapter that comes in the optional accessory kit. Once the CC Witness Plus is connected you will see "Charging" on the display. At this point, press the center button on the Witness to turn it on and you will then be able to use all functions as normal including timers.

When should I consider replacing the battery of my CC Witness Plus?

Typically, any device with rechargeable lithium batteries should have the battery replaced after approximately 300-500 charge cycles (or two to three years). If you notice playback on a fully charged battery is significantly less than it used to be (80% of original run time) or the unit becomes excessively hot during a charge cycle, these are good indicators that it is time to replace the battery.

Will I need to set the time and date again after changing the battery pack?

Yes.

Is the AM reception any good?

The AM reception is good when tuned to a strong signal. The AM tuner in the CC Witness Plus will not receive distant AM stations like the CCRadio-2E. With the display screen off reception is better. It is also possible to record from a more powerful AM radio using the CC Witness Plus input jack. Another option to improve AM reception is with the addition of our Twin Coil AM Antenna® or Terk AM Advantage.

Does the tuner receive FM Stereo?

Yes, the CC Witness Plus receives FM Stereo. There is an option in the Sound Settings menu to change to FM Mono.

If earphones are in use, where is the FM antenna wire plugged in?

The earphones also act as an FM antenna when in use. When listening to the CC Witness Plus via the internal speakers, you can plug the FM antenna wire into the earphone jack. The FM antenna and earphones cannot both be used at the same time.

Where is the CC Witness Plus manufactured?

The CC Witness Plus is the exclusive of C. Crane for several countries. It is manufactured in South Korea.

Why is the audio better/louder when I am listening to the Witness using headphones, then when I am listening to the Witness using the internal speaker?

The speakers are not capable of producing the same kind of audio that you would hear with a qood quality set of headphones or earbuds.

Why am I unable to transfer large files to or from my CC Witness Plus?

There may be some users that are experiencing difficulties transferring large files from or to the CC Witness or CC Witness Plus using some Mac or Windows computers/laptops. Due to the limitations of the processor (CPU) in the CC Witness or the CC Witness Plus, large files may time-out before they are completely transferred. For transferring large files, we recommend recording to an SD card and using a computer card reader for best transfer speed. Normally MP3 files have no issue since they are smaller file sizes. CD quality files are many times larger because of their extreme high quality. Another option would be to use a USB powered hub which can be purchased from Amazon for a very reasonable cost.

What size and type of SD Memory Cards can be used in the CC Witness Plus / CC Witness?

We recommend SD Memory Cards of no larger than 8GB, with a Class rating of 2, 4 or in rare cases 6.
Compatible form factors are: SD, MicroSD, SDHC or MicroSDHC. (Micro cards need standard SD card holder).
Not compatible with Class 8 or 10.
Not compatible with SDXC or MicroSDXC.
16GB may work however our CWTPL is only capable of indexing no more than 2000 files/folders per memory index (internal or external).

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60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

If an item proves to be unsatisfactory within 60 days of receipt, you may return it to us for refund or credit toward other products. We are sorry but original shipping charges are non-refundable. Please call for a Return Authorization number before returning an item. Returned products, original cartons and manuals must be in "as new" condition for a full product refund. A reasonable deduction will be made for any damaged or missing items. You are welcome to keep the catalog. Sorry, no refunds on custom cable and fittings or original shipping charges. Be sure to insure and pack your return carefully.

Lifetime Tech Support

We have made a commitment to build a positive relationship with you; before, during and after your purchase.

We feel we have some of the best tech support available. If you have any questions with product setup or with troubleshooting, please call us at (800)522-8863. Our Fortuna-based, tech support team is available Monday through Friday, 8:15am to 5pm PST. We are ready and willing to help you for as long as you own this item.

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